Fin's Fish Guide
The Cotinho tetra (Moenkhausia cotinho) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 6 cm.
South America; calm to moderately flowing rivers and creeks of the Amazon basin.
Description
The Cotinho tetra is a small South American characin of the family Characidae from the Amazon basin. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shining sheen and a spot on the tail base. It lives in schools in quiet to moderately flowing rivers and creeks. As a small omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae and plant matter. It is a peaceful schooling fish. Owing to its modest size it is prey for larger fishes and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cotinho tetra?
The Cotinho tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, shiny small tetra with a blotch on the caudal peduncle; peaceful schooling fish.
Where does the Cotinho tetra live?
The Cotinho tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America; calm to moderately flowing rivers and creeks of the Amazon basin.
How big does the Cotinho tetra get?
The Cotinho tetra grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Cotinho tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Cotinho tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cotinho tetra edible?
The Cotinho tetra is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Cotinho tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cotinho tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Moenkhausia
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Cotinho tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cotinho tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.